Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby was delighted with his role in their Champions League success over Roma this week.

Diaby told setanta.com: "I'm so happy with the qualification, most of all because it wasn't an easy game.

"We had the full package, extra-time and penalties, but we managed to keep a great state of mind. I can tell you that everybody is very happy in the dressing room behind me.

"For sure such a game proves our detractors, who think that Arsenal lack experience, wrong, and we have to carry on this way in order to achieve great things.

"We have what is required to achieve great things."

"I hope that this game is the first of a superb run until the end of the season. We are back to winning ways and we are determined to win silverware this term," he added.

"I wasn't surprised to start this big game because I already started the first leg. Of course you never know if you are going to be played, but you keep maximum concentration."